Juan Castillo

The meeting commenced with roll call and the flag salute led by a student representative. District administration updates covered strategic plan priority areas. Priority Area One focused on academic excellence, detailing teacher analysis of I-Ready Diagnostic, MClass, and CFA math data during professional development days to inform instructional next steps, including strategic interventions and enrichment tasks. Priority Area Two highlighted diverse experiences, showcasing student participation in events like the City of El Monte's treelighting ceremony, choir performances, and CTE electives, such as cosmetology modeling. Priority Area Three focused on preparing students for an interconnected world, detailing ongoing multilingual family learning sessions on social emotional development, technology use, and well-being, as well as mental health workshops. An update noted the full launch of the 'Soap For All' program, offering afterschool meals to all students regardless of program participation. Priority Area Four addressed leadership and staffing, presenting salary comparison data where the district ranked seventh overall among reporting districts in Los Angeles County, and ranked number one among elementary school districts for maximum salary. It was also reported that the preliminary audit for the last fiscal year resulted in the highest opinion with no audit findings. Board reports highlighted community engagement through attendance at PTA luncheons, holiday mixers, and the annual tamalada, alongside discussions about promoting district achievements in local media and encouraging all schools to apply for the Carson scholarship.

The board meeting commenced with a roll call and flag salute led by a student. Key discussions focused on implementing the strategic plan, including an update on framing the plan and subsequent priority areas. Priority Area One addressed academic excellence, specifically the requirement to train K-12 teachers in the evidence-based Science of Reading methodology, such as Orton-Gillingham, following the signing of AB 1454 into law. Priority Area Two highlighted diverse experiences, noting participation in science camp by students from Real Vista School and an upcoming elementary choirs event called "Big Sing." Priority Area Three focused on preparing students for an interconnected world, exemplified by incorporating culturally meaningful meals for Hispanic Heritage Month and Filipino American History Month, and hosting community-open Dia de los Muertos events at Potredo and Dery schools. Priority Area Four covered aligning leadership and resources, specifically updates on the Measure ME bond issuance, expected in Spring 2026, and plans for a certificated early retirement incentive program with tiered payouts. Enrollment and class size averages for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year were reviewed, showing averages below state requirements for TK and K-3 grades. Additionally, the board planned to vote on approving the annual staff holiday mixer and recognized a teacher, Miss Marita Dominguez, as the Bobby Salce Sparansa recipient for her instrumental work in the dual language program.

The meeting included a student-led pledge of allegiance and updates on the district's strategic plan. Key discussion points included ensuring academic excellence, providing diverse experiences and opportunities, preparing students for an interconnected world, and aligning leadership, staffing, and resources to student-centered priorities. The board also discussed attendance awareness, enrichment programs, career exploration, and emergency preparedness.

The meeting included cabinet reports with updates on the state budget, summer feeding programs, and a digital billboard project. There was also a presentation on enrichment programs, highlighting the success of cheer, Lego League, Vietnamese culture club, and mariachi programs. The personnel department showcased events like the Run for Your Heart and the service pin mixer, and discussed staffing for the upcoming year. The LCAP and budget presentation outlined goals and actions to address state and local priorities, including solution tree training for staff and the launch of Paxton Patterson at Wright in Petero School.

The meeting included updates on the strategic plan, back-to-school nights, and academic excellence initiatives. Funding was allocated to Wilkerson School and Sherpter School for literacy coaching and reading specialists. The academic achievement framework was highlighted, emphasizing standards-aligned curriculum and equitable supports. Professional development for teachers focused on strengthening tier one instruction, while classified staff received training in conscious discipline and inclusive play practices. Green schoolyard modernization projects are underway at Cortana, Sherpter, and Gidley Schools, with tree planting and sprinkler system updates completed. Enrichment programs such as mariachi, musical theater, and youth cinema are expanding. The childhood modernization project at Cortala School is nearing completion, and upcoming projects include HVAC updates at Cortado School and Real Hondo School. The board received the unodit actions report, and discussions covered the district's financial deficit and declining enrollment trends.